Recommissioning update
Since the publication of our 2018 article on recommissioning, the building mechanics market has evolved significantly. Energy efficiency is no longer just a competitive advantage — it is becoming a legal obligation.
To update the information and provide building managers with a concrete overview, we spoke with Dzmitry, Director of Energy Efficiency at BAULNE, a field expert who supports companies daily in their performance strategies.
His insights and recommendations helped us build an accurate picture of the current state of recommissioning in Québec.
In this article, we cover:
What recommissioning really is
The difference between recommissioning and retrocommissioning
The measurable benefits for building managers
The rise of continuous commissioning
The impact of new legislation (Bill 41 and Bill 16) on the Québec market
BAULNE’s long-term vision for this industry shift
What is recommissioning?
Recommissioning is an optimization process that involves adjusting, synchronizing, and improving the existing mechanical and control systems in a building — without requiring major investments.
Dzmitry, Director of Energy Efficiency at BAULNE, explains:
“In energy efficiency, people often expect major investments, such as equipment replacement. With recommissioning, we optimize what we already have. We adjust, synchronize, and give new life to existing systems.”
In other words, recommissioning restores your building’s full performance by ensuring every piece of equipment operates in harmony with actual occupancy, ventilation, and comfort needs.
Recommissioning vs retrocommissioning: understanding the difference
Although these two terms are often confused, they apply to different contexts.
Dzmitry clarifies:
“Retrocommissioning is mainly for older buildings — often around 20 years old — that were never optimized. At the time, HVAC commissioning with performance maximization was sometimes overlooked. Recommissioning, on the other hand, is performed every three to five years to maintain peak performance.”
Retrocommissioning ensures proper commissioning of mechanical systems in buildings that have never undergone an energy-optimization process.
Recommissioning aims to maintain peak performance through periodic adjustments.
Measurable and rapid savings
The benefits of recommissioning are tangible and quickly noticeable.
A complete project — including engineering fees, investigations, and adjustments — typically offers a return on investment within two to three years.
According to Dzmitry:
“Energy consumption reductions can reach 20 to 30%. The impact on operating costs is significant, and all of it without major investment.”
In addition to reducing operating expenses, recommissioning helps: extend equipment lifespan, improve occupant comfort and reduce risks of service interruptions.
Continuous commissioning: the new standard
As buildings become more connected and data becomes more accessible, continuous commissioning is emerging as a high-value practice increasingly requested by clients.
Dzmitry explains:
“At BAULNE, we’re beginning to offer continuous commissioning. Every month, we analyze consumption deviations and adjust recommendations. This prevents billing surprises and maintains performance year-round.”
With continuous analysis of energy consumption, building managers can:
Identify anomalies quickly
Receive seasonal recommendations
Act before energy drift becomes costly
This proactive approach ensures long-term performance and supports compliance with new government requirements.
The new regulations: Bill 41 and Bill 16
In recent years, the Québec government has taken a major step toward mandatory energy performance.
Two laws drive this transition:
Bill 41 — Energy performance of buildings
Already adopted, Bill 41 requires buildings to maintain a minimum performance level or face penalties. Inspired by New York and France, the law mandates audits every three to five years and continuous performance monitoring.
Dzmitry Puzyryn highlights:
“Bill 41 on building performance is already in effect. By 2029, the largest buildings will have to meet an initial performance threshold, and by 2030, the requirements will rise again.”
Bill 16 — Maintenance logbook and contingency fund
Bill 16 requires building owners to plan the maintenance of their assets and establish a contingency fund.
For Dzmitry, the two laws must be seen as complementary:
“Our vision is to provide a complete energy-transition approach by analyzing all components: the maintenance logbook, contingency fund, decarbonization, and operating cost optimization.”
A sustainable vision for building managers
At BAULNE, we believe energy performance is more than cost reduction — it is part of a building’s long-term value.
Dzmitry concludes:
“The market is changing, and I welcome these changes. They push us to go further in efficiency and innovation.”
Our team of HVAC optimization and maintenance experts guides building managers and operations directors through every step:
Performance diagnostics and audits
Recommissioning or retrocommissioning implementation
Continuous commissioning
Energy-transition planning
Go further with BAULNE
Recommissioning is a strategic lever to extend equipment lifespan, reduce operating costs, and stay ahead of new legal requirements.
Schedule a visit from a BAULNE expert to assess your building’s performance and uncover potential savings. Learn more:
About Dzmitry
Dzmitry, Director of Energy Efficiency at BAULNE, has over 15 years of experience in energy efficiency and building mechanics. He supports companies in their energy transition and decarbonization efforts. Passionate about sustainable technologies and occupant comfort, he applies his expertise to deliver practical and high-performance solutions. Curious and committed, he truly embodies BAULNE’s philosophy: Caring for people and buildings.
About BAULNE
BAULNE — A Québec-based leader in building mechanics
For over 20 years, BAULNE has simplified HVAC management for business clients by designing, developing, and integrating smart technological solutions that reduce operating costs while improving comfort and productivity. As an energy-efficiency expert, the company relies on cutting-edge technologies and supports clients in securing grants and accelerating return on investment.
Caring for people and buildings.